Freedom of the City of London honours Vikram Doraiswami for strengthening India-UK relations

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London at a Guildhall ceremony led by Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley. The honour recognises his contribution to strengthening India-UK relations as his posting in London concludes ahead of his next role as India’s ambassador to China.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami received the Freedom of the City of London on Wednesday. The award recognised efforts to strengthen the India-UK relationship. The ceremony took place at London’s Guildhall. The Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley, led the event.

The honour came near the end of Doraiswami’s more than three-year posting in the UK. Doraiswami is set to take up a new role next. Doraiswami will become India’s new ambassador to China. The Freedom of the City of London dates back to the 13th century.

India-UK relationship recognised by Freedom of the City of London

Doraiswami called the recognition meaningful and historic. "It is a singular and profound honour to be accorded the Freedom of the City of London, a distinction that stands as a testament to the heritage of this One Square Mile and its vision for a global future,\" said Doraiswami.

\"To be woven into the historic fabric of the city in this way is a gesture I accept with the utmost humility and pride, in the hope that it contributes to realising the extraordinary potential that the Indian economy offers businesses in the City of London for mutually beneficial partnership in an era of great global churn,\" he said.

India-UK relationship and trade deals highlighted at Guildhall

The senior diplomat said the London posting changed the pace of bilateral engagement. Doraiswami pointed to the conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement FTA. Doraiswami also referred to major work on trade and investment channels between both countries.

\"From the landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement CETA to the launch of the India-UK Infrastructure Financing Bridge, our partnership has reached new heights,\" said Doraiswami. Doraiswami linked these steps to stronger economic ties. Doraiswami also referred to wider shifts in the global economy.

Dame Langley credited Doraiswami’s role during talks that led to CETA. CETA is expected to come into force soon. It must first complete its UK parliamentary ratification process. Officials expect that process to finish in the coming weeks.

\"The high commissioners leadership has been key in deepening the economic and cultural ties between the UK and India, not least during the Free Trade Agreement negotiations – ties I look forward to strengthening further during my visit to India later this month,\" said Dame Langley.

\"As he prepares to leave his post, we thank him for his exceptional service and lasting impact, and wish him every success for the future, with our partnership stronger than ever,\" she said. The remarks came as Doraiswami prepared to end the assignment. The event focused on both economic and cultural links.

India-UK relationship and Infrastructure Financing Bridge noted by City of London Corporation

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, also spoke about Doraiswami’s work. Hayward highlighted the UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge. The City of London Corporation and NITI Aayog launched it in September 2024. Hayward said the initiative benefited from Doraiswami’s involvement.

\"As His Excellency concludes his tenure, we extend our sincere thanks for his dedication and the meaningful progress achieved during his time in post. He leaves behind a strong foundation for continued collaboration, and we wish him every success in his next chapter,\" said Hayward.

The City of London Corporation runs the UK capital’s financial district, known as the Square Mile. The Freedom of the City of London is among London’s oldest surviving ceremonies. It is believed to have begun in 1237. In modern times, it has been offered worldwide for work supporting a diverse and sustainable London.

With inputs from PTI